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Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak Puts Pressure On Cyprus Livestock Sector

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Rapid Onset Of A Livestock Emergency

Cyprus’ livestock sector is facing growing pressure following the spread of hemorrhagic fever across several free-range farming areas. Authorities report 11 affected facilities and around 13,000 animals considered at risk in regions including Livadia, Oroklini, Troulloi, and Aradippou.

Estimated compensation costs have reached approximately €4.5 million, covering livestock losses as well as related products such as milk and reproductive material.

Intensified Epidemiological Investigations

Veterinary Services have launched extensive epidemiological investigations aimed at identifying the source and transmission pathways of the outbreak. Law enforcement authorities are also assisting in inquiries related to possible delays in reporting initial cases.

Officials say early notification remains critical for limiting the spread of animal diseases and reducing economic impact on producers.

Strict Emergency Measures Enforced

Following confirmation of the outbreak on February 20 in a cattle unit in Livadia, the government activated its Emergency Action Plan under Regulation 2020/687. Authorities believe the virus may have been circulating earlier in nearby areas.

Key measures include:

  • Checkpoint Controls And Disinfection
    Police and veterinary teams have established control points and disinfection units in affected zones, including Aradippou, Livadia, Keleia, Troulloi, and Oroklini.

  • Movement Restrictions
    Transportation of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and related feed is restricted without special authorization.

  • Product Control Measures
    Milk from affected facilities is being removed from the supply chain, while controlled disposal procedures for infected animals are underway.

  • Hunting And Outdoor Activity Restrictions
    Hunting and dog training activities have been suspended in affected areas to reduce environmental transmission risks.

Political Pressure And Industry Concerns

The outbreak has intensified debate within the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, where lawmakers reviewed earlier containment measures introduced in late 2025 after initial suspicions of disease activity.

While laboratory tests conducted in nearby zones previously returned negative results, farmers continue to express concern over economic losses and uncertainty. Authorities say inspections and biosecurity controls will remain in place as monitoring continues.

International Veterinary Cooperation And EU Response

Amid the grim scenario, the EU veterinarian team from Brussels (EUVET) offers a global perspective. With the imminent arrival of 10,000 vaccine doses today from a reserve of 500,000 doses sent to occupied areas, and another 10,000 expected next week, the rollout will be managed under the expertise of EUVET, who remains on the island until Friday.

Notably, although only 11 premises have so far reported contamination, early incidents in a cattle farm and two large sheep stations in the Larnaca district had already captured international attention. In light of this outbreak, the European Commission is set to authorize measures, including a decisive culling of animals at affected farms, destruction of animal products, and comprehensive facility disinfection.

Export Challenges And Future Precautions

Following the outbreak, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) suspended Cyprus’ disease-free status, temporarily affecting exports of susceptible live animals and certain untreated animal products.

EU guidelines require strict controls within designated restriction zones, including movement monitoring, facility sanitation, and regulated handling of animal products. Authorities say dairy products from affected farms must be managed under controlled conditions to ensure safety.

Moving Forward

Additional measures are expected in the coming days, including expanded vaccination efforts and continued surveillance. Officials say coordination between national authorities, veterinary experts, and EU partners will be central to limiting the spread of the disease and stabilizing the livestock sector.

Ryanair Cuts 20 Routes In Belgium As Aviation Taxes And Fuel Costs Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Ryanair is cutting 20 routes and more than one million seats from its Belgian winter 2026 schedule, citing higher aviation taxes and rising fuel costs. The airline said it would reduce its fleet by six aircraft across Brussels Charleroi and Brussels Zaventem, representing a $600 million reduction in investment.

At the centre of the dispute is Belgium’s planned aviation tax increase, from €2 per ticket in January 2025 to €7 in January 2027. Ryanair argues that higher charges will make the country less competitive than European markets with lower operating costs.

O’Leary Warns Of Higher Fares In 2027

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has also warned that airfares could rise significantly next year as the airline’s existing fuel price protection expires.

“We guarantee no fuel surcharges, but there is no doubt that air fares are going to rise significantly in 2027 because of much higher oil prices,” O’Leary told Euronews.

The airline has secured fuel prices at approximately $67 per barrel for 2026 through advance pricing agreements. O’Leary expects costs to roughly double next year as that protection ends.

Oil prices have risen amid the war in the Middle East and concerns over supply routes through the Persian Gulf. Brent crude closed at $109.86 per barrel on Friday, its highest level since May, before moving above $110, according to the report.

Belgium Faces Pressure Over Aviation Taxes

O’Leary argues that aviation taxes do more than increase airline costs: they can also redirect passenger traffic, investment and tourism towards countries with lower charges.

“The Belgian government is doing exactly the opposite,” he said, warning that the planned increase could discourage investment, reduce passenger numbers, hurt tourism and cost jobs.

Ryanair said it had already redirected six aircraft, more than one million seats and 20 routes away from Belgium for winter 2026. The airline warned that further cuts could follow if the tax remains unchanged.

It also criticised the EU emissions trading system, arguing that it raises the cost of intra-EU flights while flights to destinations outside the bloc do not face the same burden. O’Leary called for Belgium to abolish aviation taxes, saying higher charges would shift demand and tourism towards more competitively priced destinations elsewhere in Europe.

Airlines Face Wider Cost Pressures

Belgium’s planned tax increase was reduced from an earlier proposal to charge €10 per ticket following industry pressure. Ryanair maintains, however, that the revised rate remains too high.

The capacity cuts come as other airlines also adjust their schedules amid challenging market conditions. Sweden’s SAS and easyJet have both reduced flights this year.

Ryanair is urging the Belgian government to reconsider the tax, warning that maintaining higher charges could further weaken the country’s aviation market.

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